Fusheng Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Henan, Anyang

The pagoda is located within Fusheng Temple. According to an inscription found in the underground palace, the pagoda was built in 1032 during the Northern Song dynasty. The local gazetteer states that the pagoda was initially 13 stories high, but during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) the top section was destroyed in wartime. It was repaired during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) but with only seven stories. The pagoda was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The seven-story, octagonal, brick pagoda is 38.3 m high. The first story is much higher than the remaining stories, which decrease in height and width from bottom to top, giving it a tapered curved outline. Arched doorways are located on the south side of every story. Bracket sets support the eaves, above which there are narrow platforms. Brick carvings decorate both the interior and exterior of the pagoda, depicting 25 different subjects, such as Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Heavenly Kings, warriors, apsaras, and flower patterns. The ceiling of the first story chamber has a vaulted plafond consisting of brick corbeling.
The underground palace was discovered in 1988, along with precious artifacts such as reliquaries and gold and silver caskets. The underground palace and the inscription dating the pagoda have great historical value for those studying Song dynasty (960–1279) architecture. The carvings are also of importance in the study of art history.